Wow! What a match.

Samoa, you proudly and bravely came ever-so-close to cause another major upset.

It took England 73 minutes in the final stanza, with Samoa down to 14 men, then and only then, England scored the winning try.

Every Samoan must be tremendously proud. Hold your heads up high.

Rugby can be so cruel. England just lucky on the day. You escaped 18-17 by the skin of your teeth.

God-willing, the future for Tier Two Pacific nations will shine brighter in the not-too-distant future. South Pacific rugby is coming of age.

Vinaka vakalevu brave and gutsy Samoa for the sublime performance.

The 2027 RWC in Australia cannot come fast enough. God-willing, we get to lift the Webb Ellis RWC Trophy, historically.

It is possible.

 Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

The proposed residential water rates based on three levels of consumption are not fair to large and extended families living in a household.

Large families will be penalised instead of being helped.

In addition, some households are large because they are helping children from villages and rural areas to get a better education; instead of getting help, they will also be penalised.

With increased VAT, high prices and inflation, the water rate increases will create a heavy burden on consumers.

Water availability is a human right that should be available at a reasonable cost.

 Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

While I support a national holiday for our beautiful country and its people, I urge our government to celebrate it on a Monday; or a Friday.

While at it, I also request to scrap the Prophet Muham­mad’s Birthday holiday.

He himself never cele­brated his birthday; so why should we?

Countries like Pakistan, In­dia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq and In­donesia, they don’t celebrate it? Here in Fiji, its celebrated only at two or three centres, nationwide. Most Muslims don’t too!

I suggest we replace it with a Fiji Clean Up Day, where we all go out and clean up our backyard, front yard, town and cities, then cleanse ones self for the entire year.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

Yet another war has erupted in the Middle East, which  has thrust the world into two  camps and on the brink of a nuclear war.

Hamas (Islamic terrorist organisation) unleashed a barbaric attack on Israel via air, land, and sea. Israel was caught off guard and hundreds of innocent people perished.

The level of cruelty was unprecedented: cold blooded killing of children, women, and aged people. Men were massacred, women stripped naked and brutally raped and killed. Children too, were not spared. Mass extermination was the intention of the invaders.

However, Israel declared war and retaliated with its high-tech brute force. This 24-hour war is raging on and casualties on both sides are mounting.

Gaza strip has been reduced to smithereens. Hamas hideouts have been targeted and bombarded. Hundreds got killed and thousands are trapped.

The madness continues and the United Nations seems to be helpless in mediating for peace or calling for cease fire.

The Islamic nations are standing with Hamas and Hezbollah (another Islamic terrorist organisation) has attacked Israel from Lebanon, further escalating the war.

Israel has unleashed its fury and seems determined to drive out the invaders.

The situation is clearly out of control and can easily cross the borders and thrust the world closer to a nuclear world war.

If this happens the human race can be exterminated.

Israel (Jewish country) is surrounded by Islamic countries who want to destroy it.

But the major superpowers are backing Israel. This clash of cultures/ religion will be the saddest chapter in the history of mankind.

We can only hope and pray that this ugly situation will calm down and normality may return.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj

So what if he swore at his tauvus, all international world rugby players use vulgar languages when playing, they use it in the dressing rooms and outside as a joke.

Why make it an issue with my tauvu captain Nayacalevu when our Flying Fijians have reached a very important quarterfinals game in front of them to concentrate on?

It doesn’t affect his playing career or do we want a new captain with him sent to jail.

A very childish reporting at a very important time in our World Rugby tournament quarterfinals or very macawa.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

History has a way to repeat itself. There are many stories we get to hear, rather repeatedly.

Service delivery at LTA Nadi back road is slow, tedious and frustratingly annoying. (Please correct me if I’m wrong).

On Monday, my pilot friend arrived there just before midday. He left at almost 3pm – just to renew his driver’s licence. In this modern day and age, almost all records are digitised.

Will the CEO LTA together with our Honourable Line Minister for Land Transport, please investigate and find methods to improve Standard Operating Procedures and customer service delivery?

Not everyone, especially the working class, has the luxury of time to sit and wait 3 long frustrating hours, just to renew driver’s licence.

There must be a better way forward.

This slow process is disgusting; and needs refining. This is not productivity, at its best.

These comments are shared constructively, respectfully – with a view to improve service delivery with immediate effect.

 
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

If there is collective guilt on the entire Gaza Strip, then all of United States and Britain are guilty due to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, on lies by George Bush Junior and Tony Blair.

That 2003 invasion was based on lies of Iraq having weapons of mass destruction which, till to date, have not been found in the levant.

Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis died in 2003 and the continuing political upheavals caused by that George Bush-led Invasion of Iraq.

Where is the outrage on the current extermination of thousands of Armenian Christians by Azerbaijan?

Maybe, the Armenian Christians are not so important as the Jews who have forfeited their right to be called the chosen people, because they have rejected Jesus Christ.

Hypocritical moral outrage is the operative word.

Christians are more likely to be killed or stoned to death by Jews as we are considered to be corrupting their holy book, the great Jesus Disciple Stephen attest to such evil in Judaism. Yet, Christians have this fascination with Jews.

Jews hunted the early Christians around the Roman Empire and one of this persecution leaders was a Jew named Saul.

He later had a great revelation on one of his persecutory journeys to Damascus and converted to become the great Christian, Saint Paul.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Business leaders and dwellers of Vanua Levu are on vigorous campaign. 

The Look North policy has somewhat become a joke among business stakeholders.  

One suggested that it should now be called Walk North policy- where it’s not just a lot of talk but poli­cymakers should start walking the talk.  

The multi-million-dollar Damodar City investment brought to Labasa is a game changer that should shake Government out of its snail-paced implemen­tation.  

While investments are pouring in across Vanua Levu, its infrastructure development needs to catch up as well.  

It is clear from their concerns that it is high time the Government implemented its development plans for the North with urgency – urgency being the operative word.  

Vanua Levu has been overlooked for too long. Also, the outer islands that are potential hubs for more economic activities have been overlooked.  

For two years, we witnessed the dilapidated state of the Nalele Bridge on Taveuni, which Fiji Sun often reported.  

Residents and the bus operator there campaigned vigorously for its repairs and the results proved fruitful.  

Last week, the Fiji Roads Authority announced a two-week maintenance plan for the bridge that con­nects more than 1000 people.  

It is the only way residents there can access essen­tial services like healthcare, judicial and education among others.  

This is only part of the reason why infrastructural development and upgrade is needed urgently.  

If we look at the bigger picture, certain areas in Vanua Levu have major potential growth because of tourism.  

Just as Nadi and parts of the West have benefitted from the tourism sector, so too can the North.  

Savusavu, the Hidden Paradise is a growing tour­ism hub there and also in others like Taveuni.  

But again, infrastructure plays a critical role in making this a reality.  

Even Labasa, the sugarcane town, seen as the back­bone of this area, is in dire need of infrastructure upgrade.  

The World Bank signed a US$200 million (F J$452 million) programme with Government over 10 years, which will see Vanua Levu being an investment des­tination in the coming years.  

While it is reassuring to note that this Government has made some promising announcements with big figures to go with it, a sense of urgency needs to be backed by that promise, Northerners say.  

This sense of urgency is again trumped by the shocking contrast of Savusavu’s 1.9 per cent visitor days, against 22 per cent in traditional tourism areas like Denarau.  

But empathising with the concerns of Vanua Levu, Labasa and Savusavu special administrator Doreen Robinson said the people themselves also need to adopt civic pride.  

“One of the main issues I have is littering and vandalism and the poor service that you get,” she said.  

“We need to be cleaner and take care of our town.” All in all, business leaders and government have recognised this untapped potential, and with a focus on infrastructure and revitalisation; there’s a strong push to ensure that Vanua Levu can fully realise its promise as a significant contributor to Fiji’s econom­ic progress. 

Story By: Ranoba Baoa 

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj  

Satyendra Prasad article in one of the dai­lies, titled “Golden Opportunity” cannot be left unchallenged.  

At the outset, it must be understood that the author is working for Abt Associates, an American contractor, which of course de­pends on U.S. funding to function.  

Hence his readiness to embrace the posi­tives from the recent Biden PIC summit is unsurprising.  

Most commentators and observers have questioned the tangible outcomes from these summits, in essence vindicating PM Ma­nasseh Sogavare’s reasons for not participat­ing in such a talk fest.  

Even the SG of PIFS is resigned to saying that he will see when the promises are real­ised.  

And this is from good experience after last year’s summit when the promised $800m, for the entire Pacific, has yet to be realised.  

Even with the announcement of the addi­tional $200million at the recent summit, a perusal of the outcome document will reveal that all these promises are “conditional” upon the U.S. domestic dynamics.  

The questions being asked are whether the meeting was merely another photo opportu­nity.  

There were no Pacific preparations for this summit and the outcomes reveal that the key institutions such as National Security Council and USAID are ill advised about the Pacific.  

And commentators like Satyendra Prasad’s views needs to be put in context. 

Story By: Altauf Chand 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj  

In this modern day and age, admittedly, we live in an extremely cruel and heartless world.  

Two wrongs do not make “one right”.  

The Hamas-Israeli war has made thou­sands of innocent harmless Palestinians get caught up in deadly crosshairs.  

Similarly, the innocent Israeli civilians pay an equally brutal ultimate price.  

Extremism and the far-right just need to have their way.  

If there was no Israeli occupation of Pales­tinian territories, would this ugly ever-fes­tering political nightmare exist today?  

The never-ending scoring of brownie points continues un-abated.  

2.3 million hurting Palestinians, sand­wiched in a tiny piece of real estate, by the sea and Egyptian-Israeli land, are today without power, water, food, and fast-deterio­rating health care.  

A human catastrophe is fast unfolding in double-quick time. Hospitals are now becom­ing morgues.  

The grossly disproportionate use of superior firepower, at all levels – land, sea, and air – cannot be justified.  

In the name of innocent humanity; in all quarters, both Palestinian and Israeli, I share my sadness.  

Two wrongs will never ever make “one right”.  

Billions of dollars are spent to kill fellow mankind.  

Millions hunger each day. Thousands die daily. This world is heartless, by the con­cerns and justifications of the extremists.  

In a 50-period, in the 2014 Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza, please remember, some 2300 Palestinians were killed. About 1400 were in­nocent civilians (500 children; 300 women).  

History reveals itself painfully; yet again.  

This occupation must end for God’s greater glory. 

The United Nations has failed humanity, in my humble view.  

The world has not learnt from World War II; the atomic bombing of Nagasaki and Hi­roshima; the Vietnam war and the never-ending Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.  

Brute force is the price the innocent endures painfully today. The destruction of Gaza continues for the world to witness.  

The suffering innocent Palestinians have nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide.  

Soon there will be no food, water, power, or help. 

I hurt too for these innocent millions.

Story By: Ronnie Chang 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj  

Doesn’t that sound like a catchy name for a full-length feature movie about the true story of the escape and the heroics and bravery of everyone involved in the repatriation and evacuation of the people who participated in the Pilgrimage this month?  

All the other repatriation and evacuation flights by other airlines and governments was no match for Fiji Airways and the Fijian “Pilgrims”.  

We all know that going on a pilgrimage is a stressful undertaking especially when you have all food, drinks and flights and ground transport provided free.  

Not a single drop of blood spilled; all the bullets and bombs dodged and all the pil­grims and then some escaped without a scratch.  

It is a true miracle and all that because they were in the Holy Land and under the protec­tion of God. Thanks be to Him.  

Medals are due to all for this miraculous escape.

The welcome by Prime Minister Siti­veni Rabuka and meke entourage was fitting on arrival safely at Nadi Airport. Fijians are truly blessed.  

On second thoughts, the movie should be called The Miracle Flight. 

Thanks be to God.

Story By: Jan Nissar 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj  

Yes, the worries are over for Bainimarama and Qiliho.
With their individual families, life goes on as usual now.  

But Mr. Bainimarama will now have to make do with his parliamentary suspension and concentrate his worthwhile efforts on his plans for the 2026 General Election.  

Mr. Qiliho is a marketable professional who can easily find employment here and off­shore or await the next election. 

Anyways, a big congratulations to them.

Story By: Tukai Lagonilakeba 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj  

Our heart goes out to those in Israel caught in the middle of a war.  

While we are sitting here comfortably, reading, and coming to know of the insights there, life is taking a totally different and unfortunate toll in Israel.  

Good to know of our delegates reaching home safely from Israel while the applaud goes to the crew members of Fiji Airways who risked the flight to get their fellow Fijians home safely.  

Our prayers are with the people of Israel and Gaza in these difficult times. Hope that they will find peace again.

Story By: Kirti Patel 

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj  

He can reshuffle his Cabinet as and when it suits him, even without consulting his Cabinet members.

It may come as a shock to some of them, but they have to be ready 24/7 like a military officer, and that’s the way Rabuka leads.

One of the reasons for the reshuffle, of which I have been reliably informed through our grapevine, is that PM Rabuka is not at all happy with Mr Bainimarama and Mr Qiliho being proven not guilty in our court of law by learned Magistrate Seini Puamau. But don’t be surprised if she is removed silently by the powers that be.

PM Rabuka does not recognize or respect our Constitution, which he swore on oath during his appointment as PM, and that is why he has appointed Filimoni Vosarogo as Attorney-General in place of Siromi Turaga.

The Fiji Law Society is totally against Vosarogo’s appointment as A-G because he has already pleaded guilty to three disciplinary proceedings against him before the Independent Legal Services Commission.

Thus, his appointment is totally against our 2013 Constitution under Section 96(2)(b), and if Vosarogo has some dignity left in him, he must recuse himself as a lawyer to further avoid future embarrassment for him, the PAP and the Coalition Government.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

A great game by our Flying Fijians against England. I salute you for playing on the world stage with a deep, whole-hearted passion.

You have once again inspired the nation and fans worldwide.

Here at home, another soccer bazaar just concluded. Oilei, o Fiji Football!!

Thank you Flying Fijians

Wow! One brave gutsy effort. Never-say-die right to the very end.

Very proud of your “Ma’e na Ma’e” effort.

Some soft decisions did not go our way. Fiji Water Flying Fijians 24 – 27 England.

We are in the dawn of a brand new beginning. A force to reckon with come Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

One brilliant try scored with 14-men. One awesome comeback from 10 – 24 only to fail through one drop goal. Two quick tries. We take the loss.

Vina du riki na leda saravou. Sa lia na waqe kaikai qa calidi vina.

Mutu Kalougata kece. – Ronnie Chang,

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

I write to express my disgust at those who are peddling the concept of medicinal cannabis industry in Fiji.

This will be a dangerous precedent established in Fiji. Generations to come will deeply regret this decision.

At the outset, it is being promoted as a very private affair to meet the world demand for medicinal cannabis.

This is a sheer load of rubbish to hoodwink the gullible people of Fiji. Once the genie is out of the can no one will be able to control it.

The youth will be decimated and hit rock bottom as the addiction spreads. Even the farmers who will work the farm will be heavily affected by the fumes given out by the plants.

Parents, teachers and religious organisations must unite to oppose this most dangerous industry.

No sweet talk should sway you.

The future of your children is at stake and you cannot gamble with that.

The landowners will demand their fair share from the industry.

Will Government be able to stop that? No, it certainly cannot! Cannabis will become a social termite and eat the society from within.

It will be too late to moan and groan then.

Act now!

It is my fervent hope that good sense will prevail and we as a country will not embark on this dangerous journey.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

I must congratulate all those involved with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and its setup of grassroots programmes.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup may have ended for us. People have lots of views on this. But believe me, it’s not the end.

It’s a new beginning. It’s a new era.

The seed of this present success was planted some 20 years ago.

Just imagine what the next 20 will bring. I wish that FRU owned an academy or two around the country like what International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) fully funded and gifted to Fiji Football Association (FFA).

I won’t know the benefits of these soccer academies, as the current results speak volumes. FRU pays a lot of money on camping, traveling, and other related costs.

I hope the Minister for Sports inks a deal with the FFA to sublease these useless academies to rugby.

I know FFA top brass will listen to the minister since he was the guest at the recent IDC, and he is hell-bent on soccer to improve in this country.

Actually, soccer is the only sport that has no vision and has not improved since it was founded in 1938.

I hope the minister will take this on board and get these academies under the FRU banner, as the potential for rugby is huge.

Soccer will never come close. And with the next RWC in Australia, I think the timing is right to get the lease agreement done. We will all wait for Mr Minister to show us the way to take rugby to the next level and beyond.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

The push by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to remove the Open Rank Taxi System is wholeheartedly commended and applauded.

Good move LTA.

This is the best way forward. Supposedly, Martintar-based taxis operated by Taxis 2000 and Ruwailevu have some of the dirtiest taxis around. I am disgusted at the state of their vehicles and how some continue to operate legally.

I once needed a car on an urgent run. It did not have a spare tyre; the trunk “floor cover” was broken; and vehicle looked as if it hadn’t been washed for weeks. The upholstery was torn and disgusting. Often, it is not easy to get a taxi in Martintar when “emergencies” arise. Taxis are too busy operating everywhere else.

LTA Nadi should do all Martintar residents a big favour putting their cars under your “radar” and close scrutiny. They need to smarten up.

Please bring back Taxi Rank System before Christmas 2023.

We deserve better.

I encourage the need for a better, caring and responsible taxi company or co-operative based in Martintar, without hesitation.

I strive to be the “little voice” for the silent majority.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s decision to reshuffle his cabinet has sent shock waves through the legal fraternity. Many players are jumping up and down, making disparaging comments.

Among these are former politicians and the two teacher organisations. Commentators have been quoting sections of the 2013 Constitution, a draconian document thrust down our throats to maintain power for a bunch of ruthless people. Have the commentators forgotten that?

The PM is mandated to safeguard the interests of the nation, excluding all other considerations. Filimoni Vosarogo has a tainted professional career, and he may not be the best candidate for the job of Attorney- General.

But look at the background of the commentators, who have skeletons hanging in their cupboards. This holier-than-thou attitude must stop to allow the Prime Minister to exercise his prerogative to reshuffle his cabinet to get the desired result.

The two teacher unions are hopping up and down, asking for someone with an educational background to run the education ministry. This is a tall order! Why were they silent when former A-G Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum (no educational background), served as education minister? They had no guts to question him. Fear of terror engulfed them.

All ministers are educated people with a clear understanding of running the education ministry. Therefore, Ifereimi Vasu or any other minister can manage the education ministry. Perhaps the best person will be Agni Deo Singh, a former school teacher and a teacher unionist .

In my view, it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative, so we should let him do his job. If the court decides otherwise, so be it.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj 

New Zealand election results showed that people were not happy with the COVID-19 response, irrespective of which country they were in.

NZ was one of the countries in the world that were very harsh towards their citizens: People lose their jobs if not vaccinated, COVID passports, injecting untrialed vaccines.

NZ Labour Party is paying its dues for its dictatorial actions through the election results.

Their mighty former leader, Jacinta Arden, saw the writing on the wall, and she resigned promptly.

Kiwis did not heed her response to COVID and the rise in the cost of living in New Zealand.

Even Donald Trump, who might lose some support from his supporters base in the United States of America for his ardent stance on the COVID vaccine, might bite him again in the 2024 Presidential Elections in the USA.

Politicians should not bring up such issues with COVID, or they will lose support from the populace, as people do not like being locked up in their homes and lose their livelihoods in the process.

Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj